There’s something magical about pulling a fresh loaf of pumpkin cream cheese bread out of the oven on a crisp fall day. The warm aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice instantly makes the house feel cozy, while the creamy swirl of sweetened cream cheese running through the center gives it a bakery-quality touch. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, perfect for serving at Thanksgiving or just enjoying with a morning cup of coffee.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The secret to consistently delicious pumpkin cream cheese bread is in the balance of ingredients. Pumpkin puree keeps the bread tender and moist, while vegetable oil ensures it doesn’t dry out. Warm spices bring depth, and the cream cheese filling provides a luscious contrast in every bite. The result is a loaf that’s not only delicious fresh out of the oven but also tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Whether you serve it for holiday brunch, bring it to a fall potluck, or bake it on a Sunday afternoon just because, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. If you’re looking for more creative variations, try the spiced twist of Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread for another fun way to enjoy pumpkin season.
If you’ve ever made traditional pumpkin bread before, you’ll love this recipe because it takes that classic flavor to the next level. The tangy cream cheese balances the natural sweetness of pumpkin, creating a bread that’s moist, flavorful, and slightly decadent without being heavy. It’s like enjoying two desserts — pumpkin bread and cheesecake — in one slice.
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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread – A Cozy Fall Favorite
This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is moist, spiced, and filled with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or holiday gatherings.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (16 servings) 1x
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
½ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease two 8×4 inch loaf pans.
2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1 egg, and orange zest until smooth.
3. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice together in a separate bowl.
4. In another bowl, combine pumpkin, oil, 2 eggs, and 1½ cups sugar. Mix until well combined.
5. Stir the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Pour half the pumpkin batter into pans, spoon cream cheese mixture over, then top with remaining pumpkin batter.
7. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Cool briefly in pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Optional: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Store bread covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze tightly wrapped loaves or slices for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Ingredients & Variations
Key Ingredients for Success
What makes pumpkin cream cheese bread irresistible is the harmony between its simple pantry ingredients and the creamy filling. The base starts with pumpkin puree, which not only delivers that rich fall flavor but also keeps the bread soft and moist. A blend of cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice infuses the loaf with cozy warmth, while vegetable oil adds the perfect amount of richness.
The cream cheese swirl is where the magic happens. Sweetened with sugar and enhanced by a touch of orange zest, it brings a bright, tangy contrast that makes each slice special. The eggs help bind everything together, while baking soda ensures the bread rises beautifully in the oven. If you want to impress guests, this is the recipe that delivers every single time.
Variations You’ll Love
One of the best things about pumpkin cream cheese bread is its flexibility. You can fold in toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or add chocolate chips for a more decadent treat. A splash of orange zest in the batter adds citrus brightness that complements the spices, while swapping a portion of the flour with whole wheat flour makes it slightly heartier.
For those who enjoy experimenting, try creating a streusel topping to add a buttery, crumbly layer that pairs perfectly with the creamy center. If you love pumpkin desserts with a twist, you’ll also enjoy the chocolatey flavor of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars or the crumbly goodness of Pumpkin Streusel Bread. Both bring something unique while still celebrating the flavors of the season.
With a recipe this versatile, you can keep it classic or customize it every time you bake. Either way, it’s bound to become a fall favorite in your home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Prepare the Batter and Filling
Making pumpkin cream cheese bread is easier than it looks, and the results are stunning. Start by preparing the cream cheese filling: beat softened cream cheese with sugar, a bit of flour, an egg, and orange zest until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the luscious swirl that runs through the bread.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
To assemble, pour half the pumpkin batter into the loaf pans, then spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly across the surface. Top with the remaining pumpkin batter, making sure the cream cheese layer is fully covered. For a marbled effect, you can gently swirl the layers with a knife before baking.
Baking and Testing for Doneness
Bake the loaves at 325°F for about 60–70 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of your pans. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the pumpkin cream cheese bread comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
If you’ve tried creamy desserts like No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls, you’ll appreciate how the cheesecake-like filling elevates this bread. For a lighter option, the protein-packed Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Bake is another delicious way to enjoy pumpkin season.
Once cooled, slice thick pieces of your bread and enjoy the perfect balance of moist pumpkin loaf and sweet cream cheese swirl.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Once your pumpkin cream cheese bread has cooled, it’s time to enjoy the best part — slicing into it and seeing that creamy swirl inside. This bread is delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with a few simple serving ideas. Serve warm slices with a pat of butter for extra richness, or spread with whipped cream cheese for double the indulgence. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea, making it a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
If you’re entertaining, drizzle a light glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the top for a bakery-style finish. For holiday dessert tables, pair this bread alongside other seasonal treats like Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler to give guests a variety of flavors. The creamy center makes each bite feel like a mix between cake and cheesecake, so it’s versatile enough for brunch, snacks, or dessert.
How to Store and Freeze
To keep your pumpkin cream cheese bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay soft at room temperature for up to two days, but because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Chilling enhances the flavors, and slices taste wonderful warmed slightly in the microwave or toaster oven.
For longer storage, freeze whole loaves or individual slices wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags. The bread will keep its texture and flavor for up to three months. If you love creamy pumpkin desserts, you’ll also enjoy the swirl of Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for another freezer-friendly option.
Whether served fresh, chilled, or reheated, this bread is a comforting reminder of fall flavors at their finest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Can you put cream cheese in pumpkin bread?
Yes, adding cream cheese to pumpkin bread transforms it into pumpkin cream cheese bread, which has a luscious swirl running through the loaf. The cream cheese adds richness and tang that balances the warm spices in the bread.
How to make Pumpkin cream cheese bread just like Joanna Gaines?
The secret is layering pumpkin batter with a sweetened cream cheese mixture. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan, spread the cream cheese filling on top, and cover with the rest of the batter. Swirling the layers with a knife creates that beautiful bakery-style marbled effect.
What kind of bread goes well with cream cheese?
While pumpkin bread is one of the best, other options like banana bread, zucchini bread, and even spiced quick breads pair wonderfully with cream cheese. The tanginess of cream cheese complements the sweetness of these moist loaves.
Is cream cheese on bread healthy?
Cream cheese adds flavor and richness but is best enjoyed in moderation. For a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt cream cheese in pumpkin cream cheese bread. This way, you still get the creamy swirl without all the extra calories.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cream cheese bread is the ultimate cozy fall bake — moist, spiced pumpkin bread layered with a creamy swirl that feels like cheesecake in loaf form. Whether you serve it warm for breakfast, bring it to a holiday gathering, or freeze slices for later, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Simple ingredients, comforting flavors, and that indulgent swirl make it a seasonal classic you’ll come back to year after year.
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